Randy Travis Critically Ill

Randy Travis, 54, is critically ill in a Texas hospital today. He is infected with a “recently acquired viral cardiomyopathy,” Travis spokesman Kirt Webster said in a written statement.

He appeared well during business meetings on Friday and Saturday, Webster said. “Then on Sunday, it hit him.” Travis was scheduled to perform in Deadwood, South Dakota, on Wednesday.

The CDC defines Viral cardiomyopathy as ‘a disorder where a virus attacks the muscles of the heart, causing the heart to beat slower.’ In extreme cases, the heart can totally stop beating.

“Viral cardiomyopathy can be caused by 30-plus different viruses, but it’s almost impossible to pinpoint which virus it is,” said Dr. Ramin Oskoui, a cardiologist and internal medicine specialist in Washington. “Hospitals use viral cardiomyopathy as a ‘catch all’ diagnosis.”

In 2012, Travis was arrested for assault and public intoxication.

“To say that Mr. Travis’ alcohol use exacerbated his problems would be pure speculation, but if someone told me alcohol played a role in his cardiac problems, I wouldn’t be surprised,” Oskoui said.